Rail vs Road Calc
Intermodal cost comparison and rail economics.
The Modality Decision Matrix
Choosing between Rail and Road involves a strategic trade-off: **Cost vs. Velocity**. While rail transport offers significant economies of scale for long distances, it involves "Intermodal Transfers"�the first and last mile trucking required to bridge the gap between rail heads and the final destination.
When to Prioritize Rail:
- Distance Threshold: Rail typically becomes cost-effective for inland distances exceeding 500-800 km.
- Carbon Efficiency: Rail is 3-4 times more fuel-efficient than trucking, making it the primary choice for ESG-focused supply chains looking to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
For urgent shipments or high-value fragile electronics, Road transport remains superior due to lower vibration levels and "no-touch" handling. This tool helps logistics planners identify the Break-Even Point where the direct savings of rail haulage outweigh the added complexity and fixed costs of terminal drayage.